Gaelcholáiste an Chláir and Ennis Community College marked St Brigid’s Day and Imbolc with an energetic and inspiring morning of cultural and language-based activities, celebrating Irish heritage, community spirit, and the Irish language.
The programme featured a wide range of engaging events, including an Irish-language coffee morning for parents, a bilingual St Brigid’s cross-making workshop, a lively Siamsaíocht session for visiting pupils from Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg, and a yoga class trí Ghaeilge for Sixth Year students and parents.
The school community was delighted to welcome Bishop Fintan Monahan, who blessed the rushes in advance of the cross-making workshop. Other distinguished guests included Irish Language Officer Rory Hinchy and members of An Ciorcal Cainte; Leah Ní Thaltaigh, Clare GAA Irish Language Officer and member of An Clár as Gaeilge; Treasa Ní Riain of An Clár as Gaeilge; storyteller Julie Ann de Brun; teacher Caoilfhionn Ní Fheihil; and yoga instructor Cian Ó Sullivan.
The event was further strengthened by strong representation from Irish-medium education across the county. Attendees included Dónal Ó hAiniféin, Principal of Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg; Dara Ó Cinnéide, Principal of Gaelscoil Donncha Rua; Aisling Ní Áirtnéada, Principal of Gaelscoil Uí Choimín; and Eibhlís Mhic Gearailt, Principal of Gaelscoil Iosef Naofa, highlighting the strong collaboration within the Irish-language education community in Clare.
Gaelcholáiste an Chláir and Ennis Community College were delighted with the turn out at the event and hope to build on its success with a float inspired by sea warrior Manannán Mac Lír at the St Patrick’s day parade.
The event was coordinated by Art Teacher, Sile Ní Dheargain. The celebration provided a meaningful and joyful way to honour St Brigid’s Day and Imbolc, while promoting the Irish language and strengthening connections across the local community.